OLYMPICS

Park City’s Cole McDonald qualifies 5th in freestyle run 

Feb 4, 2022, 6:03 PM | Updated: Feb 14, 2023, 12:23 pm

Cole McDonald says he finally feels comfortable in the company of the world's best skiers. (KSL TV)...

Cole McDonald says he finally feels comfortable in the company of the world's best skiers. (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

BEIJING – Park City’s Cole McDonald is already having the time of his life in his first Olympics this week in Beijing. 

The 18-year-old always dreamed of being in the Olympics since many of his childhood heroes are freestyle skiers. He just never thought he would be skiing next to them so soon at an Olympics. 

Moguls could be described as a controlled fall down a mountain with plenty of bumps and jumps along the way.  

McDonald said he feels like he hasn’t even landed yet. “Yeah, I mean, it’s such a long year. Making my first World Cup at the end of the last year and coming all the way to the Olympics, it’s been a long way and a long journey.” 

He still can’t believe he is in the Olympics. “I didn’t even expect it. I was just expecting to make one world cup this year and call it a great season.” 

Instead, it’s been a dream season for McDonald.  

He started skiing moguls when his mother signed him up with the Wasatch Freestyle Team at seven years old to give him something to do.  

“Once you start young, they can work you all the way up and have programs for every age, every skill set, and it’s just, like an amazing program,” he said. 

Turns out, he was really good at it and developed into a Junior National Champion.  

And now, the Beijing Olympics where he admits he’s still feeling his way. 

He knows he belongs. “Yeah, definitely. It’s been a big thing for me this season, gaining confidence and getting that feeling that I truly belong out here with the rest of these guys.” 

He still checks in with his mom in Park City who may be more excited than he is.  

“I know there’s going to be a watch party going on at my house,” he said. “My Mom, I know she’s thrilled. She’s call me every single day.” 

And there’s no doubt his mom is very happy.  

McDonald qualified in 5th place which was good enough to earn a spot in the men’s finals which happen later today up in the Mountains near Beijing. 

KSL 5 TV Live

Olympics

IOC excludes Russian and Belarusian athletes from Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremonies....

Graham Dunbar, Associated Press

IOC excludes Russian and Belarusian athletes from Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to take part in the traditional parade at the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics, the IOC said Tuesday.

10 days ago

Photo: The Hoth...

Lindsay Aerts

Salt Lake City prepares for Olympics Future Host Commission visit

As part of the final steps for Utah to secure the bid to host the 2034 games, a key group of Olympic officials will visit Salt Lake City next month.

17 days ago

A biathlete practicing for the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center....

Alex Cabrero

Soldier Hollow hosts BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon

Biathletes across the globe are in Utah and are getting ready to compete in a world-class biathlon competition this weekend. 

22 days ago

The Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games...

Lisa Riley Roche, Deseret News

Details of Utah’s bid for the 2034 Olympics formally submitted by governor, mayor

In an instant, the key backers of Utah’s bid to host the 2034 Winter Games joined together to tap the submit button on a laptop in the ornate Gold Room of the state Capitol Thursday, sending thousands and thousands of pages of details about their hosting plans to the International Olympic Committee.

28 days ago

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures after passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NB...

Tim Reynolds, AP Basketball Writer

LeBron James still committed to Paris Olympics, but health remains the big key

LeBron James still wants to participate in the Paris Olympics this summer, but an ongoing treatment plan for his left ankle has questions of possibility looming.

1 month ago

Utahns Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, former Brigham Young University teammates, are heading to Pa...

Erin Cox

6 Olympians celebrate 2 Utah runners, the first Americans to qualify for Paris Olympic Marathon

A group of some of the most accomplished people in the world came together, celebrating two Utahns who became the first Americans to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Marathon.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Park City’s Cole McDonald qualifies 5th in freestyle run